The Brits have a long-standing history denouncing the use of guns; however, in light of recent pirate attacks on vessels off the Somali Coast, Prime Minister David Cameron is changing history. As of on November 6, merchant ships traveling through the pirate-ridden areas will be permitted to carry armed guards to protect vessel and crew from attacks.

According to an article on Independent.co.uk, England is one of a handful of nations to ban armed guards on their vessels. However, as shipping fleets begin to feel pressure from owners, vessel safety is moving to the forefront.

Due to the strict firearm laws already in place in the UK, armed guards would require licenses for the weapons they would carry on board and use of said weapons would be restricted to only the areas viewed as threats (Somali coast, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean), according to Independent.co.uk.Independent.co.uk also reports that it’s estimated that about half of the British fleet, approximately 200 ships, will want armed guards on board.